Getting even tougherer

The Toyota Hilux range has received some new additions, making it even more appealing in a market where it has a huge fan base.

There can be no doubt that the Toyota Hilux is the darling of South Africa’s motoring public. It has endured through more than 40 years and is consistently the best-selling vehicle in the country. Last last year, the eighth generation received a mild update to bring it more in line with changing trends in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

Of course, buyers of these vehicles are continually demanding a more passenger-car-like experience. They are expecting more comfortable interiors, more safety systems and convenience features, and an easier drive – all while maintaining the rugged capability for which these vehicles were designed in the first place.

And Toyota has certainly delivered with the updated Hilux. Customer research and feedback has meant that the interior of the Hilux range has also been tweaked. The previously employed fabric door arm rests have been replaced by highly durable and hard-wearing padded urethane. Piano Black door trim provides the finishing touch. Raider models lose the fabric-adorned centre console lid to a new soft-touch leather version. That would check off a more comfortable interior.

Safety and convenience: Single cab SRX, Xtra-Cab SRX and single-cab Raider models have received a substantial upgrade in active safety with the inclusion of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) also incorporating Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).

The addition of a 220V power outlet to double-cab Raider models aids practicality.

However, the biggest change to the Hilux range is the addition of six new automatic-transmission models. These additions offer utility customers added comfort and convenience, while also cutting down on wear and tear of clutches in heavy-duty applications.

Such is the demand among buyers that the single-cab range has been expanded with a new 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SRX 6AT model, which joins a pair of newly added 2.8 GD-6 Raider 6AT models in either the Raised Body 4×2, or 4×4 configuration.

The Xtra-Cab line-up is supplemented with two new autos, which sees the pairing of the 130 kW, 450 Nm 2.8 GD-6 engine and Raider trim level, with a six-speed automatic transmission in both 4×2 and 4×4 guise.

Finally, a new double-cab variant is added in the form of a mid-grade SRX specification model fitted with the
110 kW, 400 Nm 2.4 GD-6 motor, linked to a four-wheel drive transaxle and six-speed auto.

No matter which model one chooses, a five-year/90 000 km service plan and three-year/100 000 km warranty are included. Pricing starts at R245 600 for the Hilux SC 2.0 VVTi 5MT.

My life has always revolved around anything with wheels and an engine. It doesn’t matter if its an old banger, the latest hot-hatch or a fancy 4×4 – any excuse is a good excuse to take it for a cruise, spank it at the track or go bundu-bashing (the mud-and-rocks-side-of-a-mountain type, not the exploring-Joburg’s-pavements type). Otherwise, chances are you’ll find me lying underneath one of my beloved toys or with my head buried in its engine bay, tinkering away.

Truck Test 2017

FOCUS on Transport and Logistics is South Africa’s leading transport magazine. Established more than 36 years ago and covering transport by road, air, sea and rail, it is by far the most widely read magazine in its sector.